Kansas Governor Sam Brownback wants to merge the state's Juvenile Justice Authority with the Department of Corrections. The governor says he’ll propose an executive reorganization order in the coming legislative session to merge the two agencies.

Brownback says a Legislative Post Audit report this summer showed that the social services approach of previous administration failed to provide safety and security. He says the merger will improve safety, and that programs proven to get youth back on the right path will continue.

A recent, two-part audit pointed out significant problems at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka. The first part of the audit found safety and security problems. The second part criticized the facility's education and substance abuse programs.

But, the head of the state's juvenile corrections system testified before lawmakers Thursday and said the facility is improving.